NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

70 Para-Military Soldiers Commit Suicides in Kashmir in 2 Years

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 30: The para-military CRPF has lost 70 of its men to suicides in the violence hit Kashmir during past two years. This was revealed by the Director General of the force in Srinagar today.

Talking to media, DG CRPF, S I S Ahmed said that 70 para-military soldiers have committed suicide in Kashmir during the past two years. "40 para-military personnel committed suicide this year while 30 personnel ended their lives in 2006", he said.

He termed mental depression, domestic problems at home and remaining away from the family as the major cause of these suicides.

The DG said that the force launched a 'Sanjeevani' project, a few months ago, to relieve the force personnel men from growing stress and anxiety. "Under the project, the para-military personnel and their family members mainly wives, would be jointly offered counselling and training on ways to reduce the stress levels. The greater interaction between the para-military personnel and their family members would also be ensured", he added.

He said that CRPF will induct five more battalions in Kashmir from June 2008, taking the total strength of battalions deployed in violence hit Kashmir to 77.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.